Advice please, confused

I got accepted into Barry's nursing program for this Fall. I was really excited until I started to consider the cost compared to FIU's cost per credit. Obviously I would have to take out loans for Barry, rely on any scholarships and/or grants offered to me.
If I apply at FIU, It wouldn't be until next spring because they are asking that I take a communications class and an intro to nursing coarse BEFORE I apply. I assume I will also need loans, but no where near like for Barry.
I keep flip-flopping back and fourth between the two schools. Any advice? What would you do if you had the same choices? Please any friendly advice would be so appreciated! Thanks

You can apply to Broward College for the fall program, and then do your RN-BSN later through FIU online. BC's deadline to apply for fall is May 15th. You can also apply to MDC, possibly, but I don't know what their deadlines are.

You can also look at how much the difference is to go to Barry, and how long will it take you to pay back later. Maybe waiting a year is worth the money you'll save because you will graduate with a lot less to owe.

Apr 13, '09

I understand, but I was looking into going straight into a BSN program..makes sense, what you're saying though..

Apr 13, '09

I am not familiar with the schools you are speaking of, but I can tell you how I made my choice in a similar situation. I had the opportunity to start school 6 months sooner with less classes at a school that costs about 5 to 6x as much as the other school. I looked at how much sooner I would be done with school and making money and it justified the cost and so I went with the early start vs cheaper tuition. I just started in January, but it so exciting to be in the program. So far, no regrets! Good luck with your decision!

Apr 13, '09

I would go with the school where you are already accepted. There is no guarantee that you will be accepted elsewhere or accepted with no wait or hassles. Go to the school where you know you have a seat and get it over with. Until school starts work on getting loans, working and saving. You can do this if you work hard at it.

Apr 13, '09

you know what....starting this august means giving up my apartment where I live alone with my dog...moving back with my parents (Im 32), and quitting my job. i have been working on my AA and on Pre Reqs...and on bringing up that GPA from a 2.something to where I am at now...a 3.4. I think I will do just that! I think Im going to go with Barry. I had started out this process thinking I was going to go to MDC (miami dade college)....but its so political and so competative to get in. I mean you have people with a 3.3 like bumblebeeRN who applied 5x and wasted all that time...to end up at another school. Rather than just waiting around...I think I will go for it. Im going to accept Barry's Congrats into their program!!!!! Thank you for your advice!!!!!!!!!!

you know what....starting this august means giving up my apartment where I live alone with my dog...moving back with my parents (Im 32), and quitting my job. i have been working on my AA and on Pre Reqs...and on bringing up that GPA from a 2.something to where I am at now...a 3.4. I think I will do just that! I think Im going to go with Barry. I had started out this process thinking I was going to go to MDC (miami dade college)....but its so political and so competative to get in. I mean you have people with a 3.3 like bumblebeeRN who applied 5x and wasted all that time...to end up at another school. Rather than just waiting around...I think I will go for it. Im going to accept Barry's Congrats into their program!!!!! Thank you for your advice!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats on your choice and your acceptance to Barry!!! I know how exciting it is to make that decision and put the plan into motion. You are lucky you have the option of moving in with your parents! I wish I did! I guess I could, but I don't think my hubby and son would like it too much! Also, Florida has loan forgiveness if you work at a teaching hospital, check it out: http://www.nslfp.com/index.htm
So, don't worry too much about the $$$$!

Apr 14, '09

It sounds like you have done a good job of thinking it through and making a decision that you can feel happy about. Congratulations!

One more thing to consider: If is often true that the more expensive schools offer more financial assistance. So, please be sure you stay in touch with the financial aid office and apply for everything you might qualify for. You may qualify for more help than that are currently aware of.

Apr 14, '09

Another suggestion.....have you looked into some of the scholarships the local hospitals offer? I know I've read that Baptist has one. You can email them scholarships@baptisthealth.net and find out more info.

Scroll down to "Hospital Grant-for-Work Programs" Apparently, Memorial Health Care Systems will give you $12,000 in exchange for a work commitment. I've also heard they are VERY good to work for from several people. Anyway, that page has several scholarship options and other financial aid info.

Good luck.

Apr 14, '09

Thank you all so much. I would love to stay home, and not have to move into my parents. I have a dog and their condo doesn't allow pets..my rent is $725 a month. So last night I started looking at more loan possibilities so that maybe I could find enough that would also cover living expenses. Anyone ever heard of such a thing?

Thank you all so much. I would love to stay home, and not have to move into my parents. I have a dog and their condo doesn't allow pets..my rent is $725 a month. So last night I started looking at more loan possibilities so that maybe I could find enough that would also cover living expenses. Anyone ever heard of such a thing?

Yes, those loans do exist. I think they are called living expense student loans. I have not applied for one (but I am thinking about it), but I have heard you have to have really good credit or a co-signer with really good credit. I am scared to apply because I got laid off almost 2 years ago and I have tried really hard to keep up with everything but I am making less than half of what I made before and I have fallen behind here and there. Either way, I will get through! Good luck to you!

Apr 15, '09

what school are you in tka?

Apr 15, '09

Dear FutureRN1976,
I am so glad i found this post of yours because i could relate so much to it...

I have also been accepted to Barry University BSN program for this fall 2009,
the cost of the school, however, does not let me sleep well at night
I knew it would be expensive but i thought i would be getting much more help from the financial aid office, i dont know.. maybe i am getting ahead of myself because i am still waiting for my financial award letter, but it terrifies me that i will not be able to afford it, even with loans provided.. on top of that i have to pay for my car & insurance among other bills (not cheap)...
I want this so much and the thought of having to give up on it, makes me so sad.. please let me know if you have been told about loans or scholarships that maybe i dont know about...
good luck in your process
and congrats on your decision to go to barry!!!